VISAKHAPATNAM : Amid the elaborate arrangements being made for the annual Chandanotsavam and Nijaroopa Darsan at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam slated for April 29, the temple authorities have limited the darsan timing for all the protocol category visitors to only two hours.

The decision has been taken in a review meeting held recently by the temple executive officer K Ramachandra Mohan to ensure hassle-free darsan for the common devotees. Further, the temple, for the first time, will issue Rs 1,000 entry passes for philanthropists and VIPs.

"This year, all protocol category visitors will be allowed for laghu darsan in two phases—between 5 am to 6 am and from 4 pm to 5 pm," the temple EO said.

Authorities are expecting a devotee turnout of nearly 2 lakh.

"All political and administrative VIPs, VVIPs, protocol category visitors and mega donors must submit letters to the devasthanam before 6 pm on April 25. Application received after the deadline will not be considered," the EO said.

The devasthanam is making arrangements to issue the Rs 200 and Rs 500 visitors' passes through 20 bank branches in the city which will available from April 26.

"For general public darsan, the gates will be opened from 4 am on April 29 and they will be closed by 7 pm.

Devotees in the queue will be allowed for darsan up to 12 midnight, after which the temple will be closed," the EO said.

Unlike previous years, the devasthanam authorities are setting up more palm-leaf roof shelters along the queues in view of the rising temperatures in the region. NGOs and social service organisations will supply lemon rice, pulihora, drinking water and butter milk on devotees' requests.

"We need cooperation from all protocol category devotees, VIPs and common devotees for maintaining the cleanliness and discipline during the festival," a senior officer of the devasthanam appealed.